For the first time I am going cut out a whole sheet full of parts. I am nervous about some issue happening and the cut stopping in the middle of the job and then not being able to continue cutting from that exact point. Maybe someone has a link to a video that will help me understand.
Do I just need to make sure I don’t cancel the program or make it start from the beginning in this part of the software:
If I do cancel the program or have to reload it, is there no way to get back to a certain part of the cut without it attempting to recut the already cut parts?
On the visualizer you can pick a line, any line and say start from here, or it may be start from this loop, I cant recall and I’m not at the table to look. What I try and do is click on the rapid line to the pierce point you want to start from then click ‘start from here’. You can cancel the program, open a new program, go back to that program, doesn’t matter really as long as you don’t power it down otherwise you will loose your zero point. If the worst happens and you are going back over an old pierce point and the torch wont stay on, you can put a thin bit if steel over or go back to your cam software and edit the program to move the lead in to a fresh location.
Edited to say, watch for tips ups. Catching one of those will ruin your day.
Be sure to mark a spot on the piece of steel and a fixed point on your table so you and match it up in case the sheet gets moved. If you have the limit switches, home the machine and then pay attention to the x,y coordinates (write them down for the “program origin of you image”. This will help you have the image in the same spot in FireControl’s memory and the table. Make sure the “program origin point” is the same point that you zero all axis before you start your cut. Press “Go to work zero” and confirm that the torch goes to that point before pressing “Start.”
I would use new consumables. It is much cheaper than wasting a sheet of metal. Keep the old ones for scrap projects.
Be sure your desiccant beads are dry, air pressure is up where it should be, water in the table, anticipate tip-ups of metal and be ready to clear them if necessary.
If using a laptop, make sure the battery is fully charged or it is plugged in without the grounding plug.
Keep you fingers crossed and don’t let anyone start a large energy consuming appliance at the same time you are cutting.
@ChelanJim Would you recommend I add tabs? In Sheetcam is there a way to add tabs automatically? I have so many parts. Otherwise, do you just sit there with a pair of channel locks and grab parts that tip up?
Jim’s text description is spot on but Try searching for the keywords " index cut "on the forum and you’ll find a trove of information about this type of cutting.
I would not use tabs in any intricate design. You are likely to damage your part trying to free it from the tab. If you are cutting out large pieces then a tab or two might work but not usually with something artsy.
